Publications

Freshwaters of New Zealand

Introduction

Freshwaters of New Zealand has been written by a team of eighty scientists and managers. It provides an up-to-date survey and synthesis of our knowledge of the streams, rivers, wetlands and lakes of New Zealand. There is a strong emphasis on our distinctive environment, science and management, but this is always underpinned by knowledge developed internationally. The 46 chapters cover a range of information, concepts and theories, arranged in five sections: the hydrological cycle, running water systems, lakes and wetlands, subsurface waters, and applications and issues in water management. The book is designed for students, managers, and scientists, working in a wide range of disciplines, who require an introduction to the field of freshwater science and management, and an entry point into the wider literature.

A long white cloud, snow and glaciers, tranquil lakes - part of the image that attracts thousands of tourists to New Zealand, and encourages many into careers as water managers and scientists. But there is far more to the freshwaters of New Zealand than these. Our knowledge of fresh water, aquatic biota and ecosystems has advanced rapidly in recent years. In addition to the “icons” - the salmon fisheries of the South Island, the blue duck of our mountain rivers - less well known life forms are receiving increasing attention, such as the animals that live in groundwater, often deep below the surface. To classic concepts such as the hydrological cycle and the river continuum, scientists are adding new hypotheses and theories, new management tools are being developed, and improved methods to facilitate community involvement are being applied